For families navigating the challenges of Alzheimer’s and dementia care, the search for the right community can be overwhelming. At Arden Courts Farmington, however, memory care is not an add-on to senior living—it is the sole focus. With a thoughtfully designed environment, comprehensive support systems and a compassionate team, Arden Courts has redefined what it means to provide dignity, safety and independence for residents facing memory loss.
“Dementia looks different on everyone, and the journey is unique to each individual,” said Kim Oliver, Senior Executive Director of Arden Courts of Avon and Farmington. “Our role is to support not just medical needs, but also the daily activities and choices that allow someone to live with purpose and connection.”
A Purpose-Built Environment
Arden Courts was among the first memory care communities in the country to be “purpose-built” for residents with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Instead of adapting a traditional senior living facility, the community was designed from the ground up with memory care in mind.
“Our communities have four wings—what we call houses—each with its own kitchen, living room and bedrooms,” Oliver explained. “Here in Farmington, we have 14 bedrooms per house, and 16 in Avon. This setup makes daily life less overwhelming. Mealtimes, for example, are calmer and more personal than in a large dining hall with over 100 people.”
The design also supports independence and comfort. Wide hallways, themed spaces and outdoor courtyards encourage residents to explore safely. “We have 12 exit doors that lead to massive courtyards,” Oliver said. “They’re secure and fenced in, but designed so they fade into the background. Residents don’t have to wait for a staff member to unlock a door—they can step outside whenever they choose.”
Balancing Safety with Choice
While Arden Courts communities are secure, safety measures never come at the expense of independence. Residents are free to move between houses, visit friends and choose their activities. “We provide programs and engagement opportunities 365 days a year,” Oliver said. “Our goal is to give residents choices so they feel empowered, while also knowing they’re safe.”
Families are central to this process. Before move-in, each family meets with a memory care advisor to share who their loved one was before dementia. “We want to know what mattered most in their life, what hobbies they loved and what concerns the family has,” Oliver explained. “That information guides us in matching them with a peer group and tailoring their experience here.”
A Full Calendar of Engagement
From engaging exercise classes to lectures on historical events, Arden Courts Farmington offers a variety of programs designed to spark interest and connection. Religious services, arts and crafts, live entertainment and simple joys like bingo or café-style spaces give residents something to look forward to each day.
“The premise behind everything we do is engagement with meaning,” Oliver said. “Whether it’s sitting on a park bench in one of our themed areas or participating in a group activity, residents have options that make them feel part of a community.”
Innovative Care for Evolving Needs
In Connecticut, assisted living facilities are not required to provide 24/7 nursing care. Arden Courts goes above and beyond. “We have nurses onsite around the clock, which means we can support residents with higher needs as they age,” Oliver said. This continuity of care allows many residents to remain at Arden Courts longer, surrounded by familiar staff and friends.
Another point of pride is Arden Courts’ dementia training, which extends to all staff—not just caregivers. “Administrative staff, culinary teams—everyone receives training,” Oliver noted. “It ensures that no matter who interacts with a resident, they do so with understanding and compassion.”
Arden Courts’ commitment has been recognized nationally; it is one of only 26 programs nationwide accredited by the Alzheimer’s Association for meeting rigorous care standards.
A Culture of Longevity and Care
Perhaps the strongest testament to Arden Courts’ values is the longevity of its staff. Many caregivers and certified nursing assistants have been with the organization for decades—some for nearly 30 years.
“That kind of stability isn’t common in our industry,” Oliver said. “It speaks to how we treat our employees. They feel supported, and in turn, that shows in the care they give our residents. When you walk into Arden Courts, you can feel the difference.”